No National Day parade, express patriotism online - Saifuddin

With National Day around the corner, Communications and Multimedia Minister Saifuddin Abdullah called on Malaysians to liven up the celebration by showing their patriotic spirit online even though the country is still fighting Covid-19.

He said although there will be no National Day parade this year, the people are encouraged to express their patriotism through postings of pictures and videos on social media.

“We encourage the people to take pictures and videos and share their creativity in celebrating National Day. Although the usual events will not take place, it does not mean that we cannot brighten up the celebration together,” he said when appearing as a guest on TV3's Malaysia Hari Ini programme.

According to Saifuddin, this year's National Day will be celebrated simultaneously with the golden anniversary of Rukun Negara as launched by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin on July 9.

This year's National Day celebration will be held at Dataran Pahlawan, Putrajaya, on Aug 31, followed by the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 in Sibu, Sarawak.

Saifuddin said the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will grace the National Day celebration at Dataran Pahlawan where he will receive the salute from members of the security forces before giving his royal address, which will be broadcast live.

“Normally, there is no royal address on National Day, but because 50 years ago the Yang di-Pertuan Agong declared the Rukun Negara on Aug 31, so in conjunction with the 50th anniversary celebration (of the Rukun Negara), we want to have a royal address," he added.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said this year's theme "Malaysia Prihatin" (Malaysia Cares) for National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations reflected Malaysia as a united multi-racial country, with people from different walks of life coming together to face the new norm.

“To be patriotic and caring, there is no need to do big things. Just give a face mask to a friend, remind each other about physical distancing or pick up rubbish by the roadside, these are actions that show we care. There is no need to be a minister to be patriotic,” he added.

Saifuddin urged all television stations to make efforts to liven up the atmosphere for the National Day celebration.

- Bernama